Devices and methods for brain stimulation

ABSTRACT

A device for brain stimulation that includes a lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of allowed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/030,546 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,809,446, filed onJan. 5, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The invention is directed to devices and methods for brain stimulationincluding deep brain stimulation. In addition, the invention is directedto devices and method for brain stimulation using a lead with at leastone recording electrode and at least one stimulating electrode.

BACKGROUND

Deep brain stimulation can be useful for treating a variety ofconditions including, for example, Parkinson's disease, dystonia,essential tremor, chronic pain, Huntington's Disease, levodopa-induceddyskinesias and rigidity, bradykinesia, epilepsy and seizures, eatingdisorders, and mood disorders. Typically, a lead with a stimulatingelectrode at or near a tip of the lead provides the stimulation totarget neurons in the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) orcomputerized tomography (CT) scans can provide a starting point fordetermining where the stimulating electrode should be positioned toprovide the desired stimulus to the target neurons. To further refinethe position, a recording lead with a recording electrode at or near thetip of the recording lead can be inserted into the brain of the patientto determine a more precise location. Typically, the recording lead isguided to the target location within the brain using a stereotacticframe and microdrive motor system.

As the recording lead is moved through the brain, the recordingelectrode is observed to determine when the recording electrode is nearthe target neurons. This observation may include activating the targetneurons to generate electrical signals that can be received by therecording electrode. Once the position of the target neurons isdetermined, the recording lead can be removed and the stimulating leadinserted. The object of this removal of the recording lead and insertionof the stimulating lead is to attempt to precisely locate the targetneurons. The precise insertion of the stimulating lead and positioningof the stimulating lead in the precise location indicated by therecording lead can be particularly difficult. In some instances,multiple insertions of the recording lead and stimulating lead may needto occur to properly position the stimulating electrode.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment is a device for brain stimulation that includes a leadhaving a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrodedisposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least onerecording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulationelectrode, disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead.

Another embodiment is a device for brain stimulation that includes alead having a circumference; and a set of recording electrodes disposedat intervals around the circumference of the lead.

Yet another embodiment is a device for brain stimulation that includes alead defining a lumen having a non-circular lateral cross-section; andat least one electrode disposed on the lead.

A further embodiment is a method for brain stimulation. A lead isinserted into a cranium of a patient. The lead includes at least onestimulation electrode disposed along a longitudinal surface of the lead;and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least onestimulation electrode, disposed along the longitudinal surface of thelead. Target neurons are identified using the at least one recordingelectrode. The target neurons are stimulated using the at least onestimulation electrode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will bemade to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read inassociation with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a lead and stylet,according to the invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an electrodeconfiguration for use with the lead of FIG. 1, according to theinvention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an opposite sideof the lead illustrated in FIG. 2A, according to the invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of an electrodeconfiguration for use with the lead of FIG. 1, according to theinvention;

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of one embodiment of an opposite sideof the lead illustrated in FIG. 3A, according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a recordingelectrode and stimulation electrode arrangement, according to theinvention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a leadwith a cruciform lumen, according to the invention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of astylet for use with the lead of FIG. 5A, according to the invention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are schematic cross-sectional views of threeembodiments illustrating recording electrode arrangements arrangedaround the circumference of a lead, according to the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a lead and associated hardware forinsertion into a cranium, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to the area of devices and methods forbrain stimulation including deep brain stimulation. In addition, theinvention is directed to devices and method for brain stimulation usinga lead with at least one recording electrode and at least onestimulating electrode.

A lead for deep brain stimulation can include both recording andstimulation electrodes. This allows a practitioner to determine theposition of the target neurons using the recording electrode(s) and thenposition the stimulation electrode(s) accordingly without removal of arecording lead and insertion of a stimulation lead. A lead can alsoinclude recording electrodes spaced around the circumference of the leadto more precisely determine the position of the target neurons. In atleast some embodiments, the lead is rotatable so that the stimulationelectrodes can be aligned with the target neurons after the neurons havebeen located using the recording electrodes.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a device 100 for brain stimulation.The device includes a lead 102, one or more stimulation electrodes 104,one or more recording electrodes 106, a connector 108 for connection ofthe electrodes to a control unit, and a stylet 110 for assisting ininsertion and positioning of the lead in the patient's brain.

The lead 102 can be formed of a non-conducting material such as, forexample, a polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials include, forexample, silicone rubber and polyethylene. Preferably, the lead is madeusing a biocompatible material. In at least some instances, the lead maybe in contact with body tissue for extended periods of time.

The lead often has a cross-sectional diameter of no more than 1.5 mm andmay be in the range of 1 to 1.2 mm. The lead often has a length of atleast 10 cm and the length of the lead may be in the range of 30 to 70cm.

The lead typically defines a lumen 120 (see FIG. 5A) within the lead forthe removable stylet 110. Use of a stylet can facilitate insertion ofthe lead into the cranium and brain tissue and facilitate positioningthe lead to stimulate the target neurons. The stylet can providerigidity to the lead during the insertion process.

The lumen can have any shape. In one embodiment, the lateralcross-sectional shape of the lumen is non-circular. For example, thelateral cross-sectional shape of the lumen can have an oval, square,rectangular, or, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, a cruciform shape. Thestylet 110 will typically have a corresponding lateral cross-sectionalshape. For example, a stylet 110 may have a cruciform shape asillustrated in FIG. 5B for use with the lead illustrated in FIG. 5A. Thenon-circular lateral cross-sectional shape can permit the practitionerto rotate the lead 102 by rotating the stylet 110. Because the lumen isnon-circular, the stylet can not rotate within the lead and, therefore,rotation of the stylet results in rotation of the lead. A cruciformshaped lumen can be particularly useful, as opposed to an oval, squareor rectangular lumen, if the shape of the lumen might be deformed byrotation of the stylet because the lead is not sufficiently rigid.Shapes similar to cruciform, with multiple arms extending from a centralcavity, such as an asterisk- or star-shaped lumen (see FIGS. 6B and 6C)and corresponding stylet, can be similarly useful.

The stylet 110 can be made of a rigid material. Examples of suitablematerials include tungsten, stainless steel, or plastic. The stylet 110may have a handle 111 to assist insertion into the lead, as well asrotation of the stylet and lead.

Conductors 122 (e.g., wires) that attach to or form the recordingelectrode(s) 106 and stimulation electrode(s) 104 also pass through thelead 102. These conductors may pass through the material of the lead asillustrated, for example, in one configuration for FIG. 5A, or throughthe lumen 120 or through a second lumen defined by the lead. Theconductors 122 are presented at the connector 108 for coupling of theelectrodes 104, 106 to a control unit (not shown). The control unitobserves and records signals from the recording electrodes 106. The sameor a different control unit can also be used to provide stimulationsignals, often in the form of pulses, to the stimulation electrodes 104.

The lead 102 includes one or more recording electrodes 106 disposedalong the longitudinal axis of the lead near a distal end of the lead.In at least some embodiments, the lead includes a plurality of recordingelectrodes. The recording electrodes can be made using a metal, alloy,conductive oxide, or other conductive material. Examples of suitablematerials include platinum, iridium, platinum iridium alloy, stainlesssteel, titanium, or tungsten.

Any type of recording electrode can be used including monopolarrecording electrodes, bipolar recording electrodes (as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4), and other multipolar recording electrodes. In at least someembodiments, bipolar or other multipolar recording electrodes arepreferred because they can assist in finding nearby electrical signals,and disregard distant electrical signals, by observation of thedifferential between the signals from the two or more, closely-spacedelectrodes.

Any type of recording electrode can be used including electrode pads orplates. A preferred recording electrode for at least some embodiments isa tip of a wire. This type of electrode can assist in more preciselocation of the target neurons because of the small surface area fordetection of electrical signals. Such recording electrodes often have adiameter of no more than 100 μm or no more than 50 μm. The diameter maybe in the range from, for example, 25 μm to 100 μm. In one embodiment,the recording electrodes 106 correspond to wire conductors 122 thatextend out of the lead 102 and are then trimmed or ground down flushwith the lead surface.

The lead 102 also includes one or more stimulation electrodes 104arranged along the longitudinal axis of the lead near a distal end ofthe lead. In at least some embodiments, the lead includes a plurality ofstimulation electrodes. A conductor 122 is attached to each stimulationelectrode 104. The stimulation electrodes often have a surface area ofat least 1 mm² or at least 5 mm². The surface area may be in the rangefrom, for example, 1 mm² to 6 mm². A variety of shapes can be used forthe stimulation electrodes including, for example, rings, circles,ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles, etc. In some embodiments, astimulation electrode 104 forms a ring that fully or substantiallyencircles the lead 102. Preferably, however, the stimulation electrodesare not rings, but are instead discrete shapes disposed on one side ofthe lead. Ring electrodes typically stimulate neurons on all sides ofthe lead instead of focusing on the target neurons that may face only aportion of the lead circumference.

The stimulation electrodes can be made using a metal, alloy, conductiveoxide or other conductive material. Examples of suitable materialsinclude platinum, iridium, platinum iridium alloy, stainless steel,titanium, or tungsten. Preferably, the stimulation electrodes are madeof a material that is biocompatible and does not substantially corrodeunder expected operating conditions in the operating environment for theexpected duration of use.

The arrangement of recording electrodes 106 and stimulation electrodes104 on the lead 102 can facilitate detection and stimulation of targetneurons. Some embodiments include a single recording electrode and asingle stimulation electrode. Other embodiments, however, include two ormore recording electrodes, two or more stimulation electrodes, or both.

FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of an electrode arrangement along thelead 102. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of stimulationelectrodes 104 aligned along one side of the lead with a recordingelectrode 106 positioned in the center of the arrangement. In otherembodiments, the recording electrode 106 can be positioned in anyrelationship relative to the array of stimulation electrodes including,for example, below or above all of the stimulation electrodes or betweenany two of the stimulation electrodes. When the target neurons have beendiscovered using the recording electrode, they can be stimulated usingone or more of the stimulation electrodes. Optionally, the lead can beadvanced or retreated to further align one or more of the stimulationelectrodes with the target neurons.

FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of an electrode arrangement. Inthis arrangement, recording electrodes 106 are provided above and beloweach stimulation electrode 104 in an array of stimulation electrodes.Again, variations on this arrangement can be made. For example,recording electrodes may only be provided above and below, but notbetween, the array of stimulation electrodes. In another arrangement,the recording electrodes may be positioned only between the stimulationelectrodes or only positioned between selected stimulation electrodesbut not between others.

In other embodiments, one or more recording electrodes 106 may beprovided within one or more of the stimulation electrodes 104. Oneexample of such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 4. In thisarrangement, the stimulation electrode 104 surrounds the recordingelectrode 106. There is a nonconducting region 112 separating thestimulation electrode 104 and the recording electrode 106. Thiselectrode arrangement may be advantageous when the recording electrodeidentifies the target neurons because the stimulation electrode isalready in place to stimulate the target neurons. In addition, duringoperation of the lead, the recording electrodes can be periodicallychecked to determine whether the lead is still correctly positioned tostimulate the target neurons without needing to move the lead to alignthe recording electrodes with the target neurons. In these embodiments,recording electrode(s) can be positioned within each stimulationelectrode or within a select number of stimulation electrodes or evenwithin only one of the stimulation electrodes.

In at least some embodiments, recording electrodes 106 are arranged atvarious positions around the lateral circumference of the lead 102.Examples of such arrangements are illustrated in the cross-sectionalviews of FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C. In these arrangements, the recordingelectrodes are positioned in irregular or, preferably, regular intervalsaround the lead. For example, in FIG. 6A, the recording electrodes 106are positioned around the lead with about 90° separation betweenneighboring recording electrodes. In FIG. 6B, the recording electrodes106 are positioned around the lead with about 120° separation betweenneighboring recording electrodes. In FIG. 6C, the recording electrodes106 are positioned around the lead with about 60° separation betweenneighboring recording electrodes. It will be recognized that otherarrangements can be made including, for example, arrangements with 180°or 72° separation between recording electrodes 106.

Positioning the recording electrodes 106 around the lead 102 in thismanner can assist in determining the position of the target neuronsbecause the recording electrodes can sample the brain tissue around thelead without rotating the lead. FIGS. 2B and 3B illustrate embodimentswith recording electrodes 106 on the opposite side of the lead from thestimulation/recording electrode arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 2A and3A, respectively.

Stimulation electrodes 104 can be positioned around the circumference ofthe lead 102 in a similar manner as that described for the recordingelectrodes. In at least some embodiments, however, stimulationelectrode(s) 104 are positioned only along one side of the lead 102 andone or more sets of recording electrodes 106 are arrayed around thelateral circumference of the lead. Sets of recording electrodes can bedisplaced from each other longitudinally along the lead (e.g., thearrangement illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Optionally, one or more ofthe recording electrodes can be positioned within one or more of thestimulation electrode using an arrangement such as that illustrated inFIG. 4.

The recording electrodes 106 can be used to determine the site of thetarget neurons and then the lead can then be rotated, if necessary whenthe recording electrode is not one of those aligned with the stimulationelectrode(s), and advanced or retreated, if necessary or desired, toalign the stimulation electrode(s) with the target neurons. Rotation ofthe lead can be facilitated using a stylet and lead with non-circularlumen such as, for example, those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Thestylet or the proximal end of the lead may include an alignment markerto indicate where stimulation electrodes are provided along the lead.

In one example of operation of the lead illustrated in FIG. 7, access tothe desired position in the brain can be accomplished by drilling a holein the patient's skull or cranium 206 with a cranial drill (commonlyreferred to as a burr), and coagulating and incising the dura mater, orbrain covering. The lead 102 can be inserted into the cranium and braintissue with the assistance of the stylet 110. The lead can be guided tothe target location within the brain using, for example, a stereotacticframe 204 and a microdrive motor system 202. The recording electrode(s)106 can be observed using a control unit (not shown) attached to theconductors 122 exposed at the connector 108 to identify the targetneurons. Once identified, the lead can be rotated, if necessary, andadvanced or retreated, if necessary, to align the stimulationelectrode(s) with the target neurons. The stimulation electrodes canthen be activated to provide the desired stimulation to the targetneurons and the stylet can then be removed.

In some embodiments, the microdrive motor system 202 can be fully orpartially automatic. For example, the microdrive motor system 202 canperform one or more actions on the lead 102 in response to the signalsfrom the recording electrode(s) 106, stimulation electrode(s) 104, orboth. The microdrive motor system may be configured to perform one ormore the following actions (alone or in combination): rotate the lead,insert the lead, or retract the lead. In one embodiment, the microdrivemotor system can rotate the lead to position the stimulationelectrode(s) in the position of the recording electrode(s) that detectthe target neurons. In another embodiment, the microdrive motor systemcan rotate the lead partially and the recording electrode(s) can then beobserved in the new position to iteratively determine the best positionfor the stimulation electrode(s). For example, if recording electrodesare positioned every 90° around the lead, the initial rotation of thelead can be less than 90° (e.g., 30° or 45°) and the recordingelectrodes can again be observed to more accurately identify thelocation of the target neurons.

In some embodiments, measurement devices coupled to the muscles or othertissues stimulated by the target neurons or a unit responsive to thepatient or clinician can be coupled to the control unit or microdrivemotor system. The measurement device, user, or clinician can indicate aresponse by the target muscles or other tissues to the stimulation orrecording electrode(s) to further identify the target neurons andfacilitate positioning of the stimulation electrode(s). For example, ifthe target neurons are directed to a muscle experiencing tremors, ameasurement device can be used to observe the muscle and indicatechanges in tremor frequency or amplitude in response to stimulation ofneurons. Alternatively, the patient or clinician may observe the muscleand provide feedback.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of themanufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention also resides in theclaims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:
 1. A device for brain stimulation, comprising: alead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrodedisposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and a plurality ofsets of recording electrodes separate from the at least one stimulationelectrode, each set of recording electrodes comprises a plurality ofrecording electrodes disposed at intervals around the circumference ofthe lead at a same longitudinal position along the lead, wherein eachset of recording electrodes is separated from other sets of recordingelectrodes by at least one of the at least one stimulation electrodes.2. The device of claim 1, wherein the recording electrodes of each setof recording electrodes are disposed at regular intervals around thecircumference of the lead.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the sets of recording electrodes comprises four recordingelectrodes disposed around the circumference of the lead at 90°intervals.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of therecording electrodes is circumferentially surrounded by a one of the atleast one stimulation electrodes.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein thelead defines a lumen having a non-circular lateral cross-sectionextending longitudinally through at least a portion of the lead.
 6. Thedevice of claim 5, wherein the lumen has a cruciform or star-shapedlateral cross-section.
 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising amicrodrive motor system coupled to the lead to facilitate positioning ofthe lead in a brain of a patient.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein themicrodrive motor system is configured and arranged to be responsive tosignals from the at least one recording electrode.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein each set of recording electrodes comprises at leastthree recording electrodes.
 10. A device for brain stimulation,comprising: a lead having a longitudinal surface; at least onestimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of thelead; and a plurality of sets of recording electrodes separate from theat least one stimulation electrode, each set of recording electrodescomprises a plurality of recording electrodes disposed at intervalsaround the circumference of the lead at a same longitudinal positionalong the lead, wherein the lead defines a lumen baying a non-circularlateral cross-section extending longitudinally through at least aportion of the lead, wherein the lumen has a lateral cross-sectioncomprising a plurality of arms extending from a central cavity.
 11. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the lumen has a cruciform or star-shapedlateral cross-section.
 12. The device of claim 10, further comprising astylet having a lateral cross-section corresponding to the lateralcross-section of the lumen.
 13. A device for brain stimulation,comprising: a lead; a recording electrode disposed on the lead; and astimulation electrode disposed on the lead and circumferentiallysurrounding the recording electrode, wherein the recording electrode andstimulation electrode are separated by a non-conductive region.
 14. Thedevice of claim 13, further comprising at least one additional recordingelectrode.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least oneadditional stimulation electrode.
 16. The device of claim 15, whereineach of the at least one additional recording electrodes iscircumferentially surrounded by a one of the at least one additionalstimulation electrodes.
 17. The device of claim 13, further comprising amicrodrive motor system coupled to the lead to facilitate positioning ofthe lead in a brain of a patient.
 18. The device of claim 17, whereinthe microdrive motor system is configured and arranged to be responsiveto signals from the at least one recording electrode.
 19. A method forbrain stimulation, the method comprising: inserting the lead of thedevice of claim 1 into a cranium of a patient; identifying targetneurons using the recording electrodes; and stimulating the targetneurons using the at least one stimulation electrode.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising inserting a stylet into the lead to assistin inserting the lead into the cranium of the patient.